Background Regulatory interactions between microRNAs (miRNAs) and messenger RNAs (mRNAs) are involved in the progression of pulmonary fibrosis, which can either promote or inhibit the development of this disease. Objective To explore the miRNA-mRNA regulatory network during the progression of silica (SiO₂)-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice using integrated mRNA-seq and miRNA-seq analysis. Methods A mouse model of pulmonary fibrosis was established by dynamic SiO₂ dust exposure. The experimental design included a blank control group and four SiO₂-exposed groups (7, 14, 28, and 56 d, n=10 per group). Successful model induction was confirmed by histopathological analysis (HE and Masson staining), hydroxyproline (HYP) quantification, and expression of key fibrosis-related cytokines [fibroblast growth factor (FGF), interleukin-6 (IL-6), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)]. Lung tissues from mice in each group were subjected to sequencing, and Mfuzz was used for time-series gene clustering to identify dynamic progression patterns. DESeq2 was utilized to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and differentially expressed miRNAs. Enrichment analysis of DEGs was performed to identify critical signaling pathways and biological processes underlying pulmonary fibrosis progression. Expression of four selected miRNAs was subsequently validated by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The target mRNAs of key miRNAs were comprehensively predicted by integrating miRBase, starBase, and miRTarBase to construct the regulatory networks and investigate potential functions. Results SiO₂ exposure led to time-dependent aggravation of pulmonary fibrosis in mice, evidenced by increased fibrous deposition, elevated HYP levels (P < 0.01), and up-regulation of four kinds of pro-fibrotic cytokines (P < 0.01) compared with the NT group. Mfuzz clustering revealed the stage-specific characteristics. Compared to controls, 231, 662, 448, and 1020 DEGs were identified after SiO₂ exposure at 7, 14, 28, and 56 d, respectively, primarily enriched in immune responses and chemokine signaling. During critical fibrotic phases—7 d (acute inflammation and initiation) and 28 d (chronic inflammation and establishment)—18 differentially expressed miRNAs were identified; notably mmu-miR-135b-5p was significantly dysregulated at both time points. The expression trends of the four key miRNAs (mmu-miR-135b-5p, mmu-miR-708-5p, mmu-miR-21a-3p, and mmu-miR-205-5p) were consistent with the sequencing results. Furthermore, bioinformatics databases were used to predict the target mRNAs of key miRNAs. The constructed network highlighted critical miRNA-mRNA pairs—including mmu-miR-135b-5p and Meis1, mmu-miR-708-5p and Mmp25, mmu-miR-21a-3p and Cacna1d, mmu-miR-205-5p and Ereg which were closely associated with inflammatory response, extracellular matrix deposition, and fibroblast activation. Conclusion The progression of pulmonary fibrosis is accompanied by dynamic changes in miRNA-mRNA regulatory networks. The identified miRNA-target axes (e.g., miR-135b-5p and Meis1, mmu-miR-708-5p and Mmp25, mmu-miR-21a-3p and Cacna1d, and mmu-miR-205-5p and Ereg—) may play important roles in fibrogenesis and provide potential therapeutic targets for pulmonary fibrosis.

Background Regulatory interactions between microRNAs (miRNAs) and messenger RNAs (mRNAs) are involved in the progression of pulmonary fibrosis, which can either promote or inhibit the development of this disease. Objective To explore the miRNA-mRNA regulatory network during the progression of silica (SiO₂)-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice using integrated mRNA-seq and miRNA-seq analysis. Methods A mouse model of pulmonary fibrosis was established by dynamic SiO₂ dust exposure. The experimental design included a blank control group and four SiO₂-exposed groups (7, 14, 28, and 56 d, n=10 per group). Successful model induction was confirmed by histopathological analysis (HE and Masson staining), hydroxyproline (HYP) quantification, and expression of key fibrosis-related cytokines [fibroblast growth factor (FGF), interleukin-6 (IL-6), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)]. Lung tissues from mice in each group were subjected to sequencing, and Mfuzz was used for time-series gene clustering to identify dynamic progression patterns. DESeq2 was utilized to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and differentially expressed miRNAs. Enrichment analysis of DEGs was performed to identify critical signaling pathways and biological processes underlying pulmonary fibrosis progression. Expression of four selected miRNAs was subsequently validated by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The target mRNAs of key miRNAs were comprehensively predicted by integrating miRBase, starBase, and miRTarBase to construct the regulatory networks and investigate potential functions. Results SiO₂ exposure led to time-dependent aggravation of pulmonary fibrosis in mice, evidenced by increased fibrous deposition, elevated HYP levels (P < 0.01), and up-regulation of four kinds of pro-fibrotic cytokines (P < 0.01) compared with the NT group. Mfuzz clustering revealed the stage-specific characteristics. Compared to controls, 231, 662, 448, and 1020 DEGs were identified after SiO₂ exposure at 7, 14, 28, and 56 d, respectively, primarily enriched in immune responses and chemokine signaling. During critical fibrotic phases—7 d (acute inflammation and initiation) and 28 d (chronic inflammation and establishment)—18 differentially expressed miRNAs were identified; notably mmu-miR-135b-5p was significantly dysregulated at both time points. The expression trends of the four key miRNAs (mmu-miR-135b-5p, mmu-miR-708-5p, mmu-miR-21a-3p, and mmu-miR-205-5p) were consistent with the sequencing results. Furthermore, bioinformatics databases were used to predict the target mRNAs of key miRNAs. The constructed network highlighted critical miRNA-mRNA pairs—including mmu-miR-135b-5p and Meis1, mmu-miR-708-5p and Mmp25, mmu-miR-21a-3p and Cacna1d, mmu-miR-205-5p and Ereg which were closely associated with inflammatory response, extracellular matrix deposition, and fibroblast activation. Conclusion The progression of pulmonary fibrosis is accompanied by dynamic changes in miRNA-mRNA regulatory networks. The identified miRNA-target axes (e.g., miR-135b-5p and Meis1, mmu-miR-708-5p and Mmp25, mmu-miR-21a-3p and Cacna1d, and mmu-miR-205-5p and Ereg—) may play important roles in fibrogenesis and provide potential therapeutic targets for pulmonary fibrosis.

BACKGROUND:Synthetic polymers,such as polypropylene and polyester,used for the treatment of abdominal wall defects not only lack biodegradability and bioactivity but also fail to meet the demands of complex and irregular wounds.Therefore,finding bioactive materials with low immunogenicity and good histocompatibility has become a hot spot in the repair of abdominal wall defects. OBJECTIVE:To prepare methacryloyl modified dermal extracellular matrix hydrogel and explore its potential application in abdominal wall defect. METHODS:(1)The porcine dermis was acellular with 0.25%trypsin and 1%Triton X-100 in turn to obtain the dermal extracellular matrix.After pepsin digestion and methacrylic anhydride modification,the methacrylated dermal extracellular matrix hydrogel was formed by photocrosslinking.The microscopic morphology of the hydrogel was observed by scanning electron microscope,and its rheological properties,swelling properties and other physical and chemical properties were tested.(2)Mice fibroblasts(L929)were inoculated into methacrylated dermal extracellular matrix hydrogel to detect the cell compatibility.(3)Totally 12 SD rats were randomly divided into two groups(n=6)to create abdominal wall defect model with peritoneum preserved.The defect site of the polypropylene group was filled with polypropylene material,and the hydrogel group was filled with methacrylated dermal extracellular matrix hydrogel.The wound skin of both groups was covered with polypropylene material.The wound healing was observed and histological analysis was carried out. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Enzymatic hydrolysis had a good decellularization effect on porcine dermis after decellularization,and the original glycosaminoglycans and collagen were well retained.Scanning electron microscope observation revealed that the dermal extracellular matrix hydrogel presented loose and porous structure.The aperture was between 70 and 120 μm.The swelling ratio was(16.88±3.24)%and the water absorption was(94.24±1.11)%.The rheological property test showed that the methacrylated dermal extracellular matrix hydrogel was stable and had shear thinning characteristics,with injectability.(2)CCK-8 assay and live/dead staining showed that methacrylated dermal extracellular matrix hydrogel had good cell compatibility.(3)The results of animal experiments showed that the skin wound healing rate of the experimental group was higher than that of the control group at 7,10,and 14 days after operation(P<0.05).Hematoxylin-eosin and Masson staining of skin and muscle tissue exhibited that compared with the polypropylene group,the skin wound epithelialization,hair follicle formation,collagen fiber arrangement,and neovascularization were better in the hydrogel group 14 days after surgery.The skin wound new tissue structure was similar to the normal tissue at 28 days after surgery,and scar hyperplasia was less.A small amount of muscle regeneration was observed on day 28 after operation.(4)The results show that the methacrylated dermal extracellular matrix hydrogel can promote wound skin healing and muscle tissue regeneration in rats with abdominal wall defect.

Knee osteoarthritis is a common joint disease within osteoarthritis,characterized by pain,swelling,and limited functionality as the main clinical manifestations.In severe cases,it affects daily life and falls under the category of"impediment syndrome"or"bone impediment"in TCM.The author believes that the theory of"bones,tendons,and muscles"is closely related to this disease.Treatment should focus on simultaneously nourishing the liver,spleen and kidneys,considering tendons,bones and muscles,while also dispelling wind,cold and dampness.The clinical application of Sanbi Decoction has shown good efficacy,and this discussion aimed to provide ideas for the diagnosis and treatment of knee osteoarthritis.

To formulate an expert consensus on the principles of preoperative hair removal and provide scientific guidance for standardized removal of hair before surgical procedures so as to reduce the incidence of surgical site infections.METHODS Led by the Hospital Management Institute of National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China,this consensus was reached with the joint efforts from the expects of relevant fields such as surgeries,interventional therapies,nursing,and infection prevention and control.The consensus facilitates the classification and evaluation of literatures by following the evidence grade formulated by Oxford Evidence-based Medicine Center and focuses on the association of preoperative hair removal with surgical site infection,it reaches the evidence grade of expert consensus and recommendation intensity by integrating with discussions on meetings and clinical experience of the expects from relevant fields.RESULTS A total of 6 items of consensus were reached by summarizing the latest evidence on the aspects including the indications for preoperative hair removal,tools,range,timing and places.CONCLUSION The consensus,to some extent,make supplements to and complete the exiting regulations and standards.It provides guidance for the medical institutions to carry out the preoperative hair removal.

To formulate an expert consensus on the principles of preoperative hair removal and provide scientific guidance for standardized removal of hair before surgical procedures so as to reduce the incidence of surgical site infections.METHODS Led by the Hospital Management Institute of National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China,this consensus was reached with the joint efforts from the expects of relevant fields such as surgeries,interventional therapies,nursing,and infection prevention and control.The consensus facilitates the classification and evaluation of literatures by following the evidence grade formulated by Oxford Evidence-based Medicine Center and focuses on the association of preoperative hair removal with surgical site infection,it reaches the evidence grade of expert consensus and recommendation intensity by integrating with discussions on meetings and clinical experience of the expects from relevant fields.RESULTS A total of 6 items of consensus were reached by summarizing the latest evidence on the aspects including the indications for preoperative hair removal,tools,range,timing and places.CONCLUSION The consensus,to some extent,make supplements to and complete the exiting regulations and standards.It provides guidance for the medical institutions to carry out the preoperative hair removal.

Body weight abnormalities, including overweight, obesity, and underweight, have become a dual public health challenge in Chinese adults: overweight and obesity lead to a variety of chronic complications, while underweight increases the risks of malnutrition, sarcopenia, and organ dysfunction. To systematically address these issues, multidisciplinary experts in endocrinology, sports science, nutrition, and psychiatry from various regions have held multiple weight management seminars. Based on the latest epidemiological data and clinical evidence, they expanded the guideline to include assessment and intervention strategies for underweight, in addition to the core content of obesity management. This guideline outlines the etiological mechanisms, evaluation methods, and multidimensional management strategies for overweight and obesity, covering key areas such as diagnosis and assessment, medical nutrition therapy, exercise prescription, pharmacological intervention, and psychological support. It is intended to provide a scientific and standardized approach to weight management across the adult population, aiming to curb the rising prevalence of obesity, mitigate complications associated with abnormal body weight, and improve nutritional status and overall quality of life.

Objective:To investigate the effect of early high-sucrose diet (eHSD) on cognitive function and its regulatory mechanism in 3×Tg-AD mice.Methods:(1) Eighteen specific-pathogen-free (SPF)-grade 2-month-old wide-type (WT) mice were randomly divided into a WT+normal chow diet (NCD) group and a WT+eHSD group, with 9 mice in each group; and 18 SPF-grade 2-month-old 3×Tg-AD mice were randomly divided into a 3×Tg-AD+NCD group and a 3×Tg-AD+eHSD group, with 9 mice in each group. At 2-5 months old, mice in the 4 groups received standard laboratory food+purified water or 30% sucrose water, followed by standard feed for all groups. At 8 months old, cognitive function was assessed by Morris water maze test; fluorescent intensity of AT8 (phosphorylated [p]-tau) and T22 (tau oligomers) in the hippocampal tissues was detected by immunofluorescent staining; concentrations of β-amyloid protein (Aβ) 42 and Aβ 40 were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA); protein expressions of stimulator of interferon genes (STING), TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1), p-TBK1, and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein β (C/EBPβ) were detected by Western blotting; activity of C/EBPβ transcription factor was detected by activity assay; mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) content in the cytoplasm of cell was detected by real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR). (2) Eighteen SPF-grade 2-month-old 3×Tg-AD mice were randomized into a 3×Tg-AD+eHSD+H-151 group and a 3×Tg-AD+eHSD+dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) group, with 9 mice in each group. Mice at 2-5 months old were given standard laboratory food+30% sucrose water; they were, respectively, injected intraperitoneally with STING pathway inhibitor H-151 or DMSO at 5 months old, and continually injected until 8 months old; and then, the behavioral testing, immunofluorescent staining, ELISA, Western blotting and C/EBPβ transcription factor activity experiments were repeated as before. (3) After crossing C/EBPβ heterozygous knockout (C/EBPβ +/-) mice with 3×Tg-AD mice, 3×Tg-AD/C/EBPβ +/- mice were obtained, and 3×Tg-AD mice were used as controls; they were named 3×Tg-AD/C/EBPβ +/-+eHSD group and 3×Tg-AD+eHSD group, with 9 mice in each group. Both groups of mice were given standard laboratory food+30% sucrose water at 2-5 months old, followed by standard feed until 8 months old; and then, the behavioral testing, immunofluorescent staining, ELISA, and Western blotting experiments were repeated as before. (4) C/EBPβ transgenic mice (C/EBPβTg) were crossed with 3×Tg-AD mice to obtain C/EBPβTg/3×Tg-AD mice, and Non-Tg/3×Tg-AD mice were used as controls; they were, respectively, named as C/EBPβTg/3×Tg-AD+eHSD+H-151 group, Non-Tg/3×Tg-AD+eHSD+H-151 group, and Non-Tg/3×Tg-AD+eHSD+DMSO group, with 9 mice in each group. All 3 groups of mice were given standard laboratory food+30% sucrose water at 2-5 months old; at 5-8 months old, mice in the C/EBPβTg/3×Tg-AD+eHSD+H-151 group and Non-Tg/3×Tg-AD+eHSD+H-151 group were intraperitoneally injected with H-151, while mice in the Non-Tg/3×Tg-AD+eHSD+DMSO group were injected with DMSO; and then, the behavioral testing, immunofluorescent staining, ELISA, and Western blotting experiments were repeated as before. Results:(1) Compared with those in the WT+NCD group and WT+eHSD group, area under the latency curve of 3×Tg-AD+eHSD mice was significantly increased, and proportion of time spending in the targeted quadrant of mice in the 3×Tg-AD+NCD group and 3×Tg-AD+eHSD group was significantly decreased ( P<0.05); compared with that in the 3×Tg-AD+NCD group, proportion of time spending in the targeted quadrant in mice of the 3×Tg-AD+eHSD group was significantly reduced ( P<0.05). Compared with the 3×Tg-AD+NCD group, the 3×Tg-AD+eHSD group had significantly increased p-tau and tau oligomers, Aβ 42 and Aβ 40 concentrations in the hippocampus (AT8 fluorescent intensity: 1.000±0.076 vs. 2.902±0.399; T22 fluorescent intensity: 1.000±0.145 vs. 2.495±0.273; Aβ 42: 1.000±0.167 vs.1.956±0.132; Aβ 40: 1.000±0.226 vs.1.900±0.116), significantly increased C/EBPβ protein expression and C/EBPβ transcription factor activity (1.000±0.164 vs. 1.804±0.112; 1.000±0.216 vs. 2.743±0.301), and statistically increased mtDNA level detected by D-loop1 and D-loop3 (1.000±0.234 vs. 2.800±0.210; 1.000±0.155 vs. 2.952±0.078; P<0.05). Compared with the 3×Tg-AD+NCD group, the 3×Tg-AD+eHSD group had significantly increased STING protein expression and p-TBK1/TBK1 ratio (STING: 1.000±0.192 vs. 2.093±0.081; p-TBK1/TBK1: 1.000±0.148 vs. 1.561±0.112, P<0.05). (2) Compared with the 3×Tg-AD+eHSD+DMSO group, the 3×Tg-AD+eHSD+H-151 group had significantly decreased area under the latency curve, significantly increased proportion of time spending in the targeted quadrant, significantly decreased p-tau and tau oligomers expressions, Aβ 42 and Aβ 40 concentrations in the hippocampus (AT8 fluorescent intensity: 1.000±0.142 vs. 0.538±0.057; T22 fluorescent intensity: 1.000±0.104 vs. 0.665±0.088; Aβ 42: 1.000±0.084 vs. 0.600±0.007; Aβ 40: 1.000±0.138 vs. 0.476±0.083), significantly decreased STING protein expression and p-TBK1/TBK1 ratio (STING: 1.000±0.054 vs. 0.468±0.111; p-TBK1/TBK1: 1.000±0.057 vs. 0.598±0.090), and significantly decreased C/EBPβ transcription factor activity (1.000±0.097 vs. 0.445±0.106; P<0.05). (3) Compared with the 3×Tg-AD+eHSD group, the 3×Tg-AD/C/EBPβ +/-+eHSD group had significantly decreased area under the latency curve, significantly increased proportion of time spending in the targeted quadrant, significantly decreased p-tau and tau oligomers, Aβ 42 and Aβ 40 concentrations in the hippocampus (AT8 fluorescent intensity: 1.000±0.160 vs. 0.506±0.065; T22 fluorescent intensity: 1.000±0.127 vs. 0.346±0.048; Aβ 42: 1.000±0.017 vs. 0.510±0.101; Aβ 40: 1.000±0.098 vs. 0.586±0.153), and significantly decreased C/EBPβ protein expression (1.000±0.101 vs. 0.568±0.094; P<0.05). (4) Compared with the Non-Tg/3×Tg-AD+eHSD+DMSO group, the Non-Tg/3×Tg-AD+eHSD+H-151 group had significantly decreased area under the latency curve, significantly increased proportion of time spending in the targeted quadrant, and significantly decreased p-tau and tau oligomers expressions, Aβ 40 concentration in the hippocampus, and the Non-Tg/3×Tg-AD+eHSD+H-151 group, the C/EBPβTg/3×Tg-AD+eHSD+H-151 group had significantly decreased STING protein expression and p-TBK1/TBK1 ratio in the hippocampus ( P<0.05). Compared with the Non-Tg/3×Tg-AD+eHSD+H-151 group, the C/EBPβTg/3×Tg-AD+eHSD+H-151 group had significantly increased area under the latency curve, significantly decreased proportion of time spending in the targeted quadrant, and significantly increased p-tau and tau oligomers expressions, Aβ 40 and Aβ 42 concentration in the hippocampus ( P<0.05). Conclusion:The eHSD aggravates cognitive impairment in 3×Tg-AD mice through activating cGAS-STING-C/EBPβ pathway.

Knee osteoarthritis is a common joint disease within osteoarthritis,characterized by pain,swelling,and limited functionality as the main clinical manifestations.In severe cases,it affects daily life and falls under the category of"impediment syndrome"or"bone impediment"in TCM.The author believes that the theory of"bones,tendons,and muscles"is closely related to this disease.Treatment should focus on simultaneously nourishing the liver,spleen and kidneys,considering tendons,bones and muscles,while also dispelling wind,cold and dampness.The clinical application of Sanbi Decoction has shown good efficacy,and this discussion aimed to provide ideas for the diagnosis and treatment of knee osteoarthritis.

Body weight abnormalities, including overweight, obesity, and underweight, have become a dual public health challenge in Chinese adults: overweight and obesity lead to a variety of chronic complications, while underweight increases the risks of malnutrition, sarcopenia, and organ dysfunction. To systematically address these issues, multidisciplinary experts in endocrinology, sports science, nutrition, and psychiatry from various regions have held multiple weight management seminars. Based on the latest epidemiological data and clinical evidence, they expanded the guideline to include assessment and intervention strategies for underweight, in addition to the core content of obesity management. This guideline outlines the etiological mechanisms, evaluation methods, and multidimensional management strategies for overweight and obesity, covering key areas such as diagnosis and assessment, medical nutrition therapy, exercise prescription, pharmacological intervention, and psychological support. It is intended to provide a scientific and standardized approach to weight management across the adult population, aiming to curb the rising prevalence of obesity, mitigate complications associated with abnormal body weight, and improve nutritional status and overall quality of life.